Pope Valley is probably the last viable place remaining in the greater Napa Valley American Viticuture Area (AVA). This is probably because of its remoteness, and its relatively inexpensive grapes, at least in relation to every other grape growing appellation among the valley’s 14 named sub-regions.

All that may change within a couple of years. Because the people involved in Pope Valley, which is situated about 25 miles inland east of the Silverado Trail above the towns of Rutherford and St. Helena, will soon apply for official AVA status.

Pat Garvey is the vineyard manager for Flora Springs, which owns 600 acres that span 10 vineyards and a half-dozen of the valley’s sub-AVAs. That number includes 275 acres that Flora Springs purchased in Pope Valley in 1981, which makes Garvey one of the earliest progenitors in the modern era of the region’s fruit.

Garvey knows the area well. As outlined in a forthcoming proposal to the TTB, Pope Valley encompasses a thin strip east of Chiles Valley and south of Howell Mountain. If this proposal is approved in a couple of years or so, Pope Valley will comprise 108 square miles in an area that is approximately 18 miles long and six miles across at its widest point. Elevations range from 500 to 1,400 feet. The average price of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes from Pope Valley is currently about $2,200 a ton, depending upon supply and demand. That compares to an average price of $4,000 for Cab from most anywhere else in the valley.

The price per acre of land in other parts of the valley ranges now from a quarter million to $350,000. Compare that to Pope Valley, where one can purchase an acre for less than half that.

The interest in Pope Valley is surely on the rise, judging by the number of newcomers setting down roots there. For instance, the recent purchase of 272 acres of the old Aetna Springs property by Michael Mondavi and his son and daughter will most assuredly elevate the status, if not the perception of the area.

Others currently growing grapes and/or making wine in Pope Valley include St. Supéry’s Dollarhide Vineyard, Cosentino’s CE2V property, Peju, Rutherford Hill, Kathryn Hall, Piña, Nord, and Eagle & Rose.